Category: Inflatable Boats

The 2018 Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races brought some liquid sunshine to Portland this year but the competition was red hot. The Inflatable Boat Center was on hand to lend a safety boat and operator as we like to do for local events. Thankfully it was a casualty free year again with only a broken tiller on one of the boats that led to a low speed collision.

Law enforcement was in full force with several other assets which helped to transfer some of the load off of our already heavily laden mission profile.

All in all it was a good time despite the rain that menaced paddlers throughout the event. IBC took out several news channels for the event, which was a first for many of the news teams. KATU’s Amanda shared some of her pics below in the link, and more will follow as the media is dispersed thru the proper channels. Unfortunately we weren’t able to collect any images this year ourselves due to mission tempo and our event responsibilities.

The boat IBC chose to use was the Zodiac Bombard Commando C4R open rigged with a 40hp outboard tiller arrangement. The tiller allows for ultra fast throttle and steering response when maneuvering tight and fast conditions, or in this case around lines and other small craft in the exclusion zone. Having 40hp on a Bombard Commando C4 gives the operator smooth speed and the ability to bring heavy loads to plane easily to complete the mission at hand.

After the event while in transit to the pull out location IBC’s Mike was on hand to lend assistance to a small sailing vessel that was over turned. With the Bombard Commando, some line, and a bit of seamanship Mike was able to right the vessel and tow it to a nearby dock. The Bombard Commando’s incredible buoyancy and soft sided nature allowed positioning without damage to either vessel as lines were put under load.

The Bombard Commando line of boats continues to perform where others can’t and is a favorite of the IBC staff for all things on the water.

We’ve been getting some calls about the new Zodiac Cadet DL Aluminum RIBs from people across the country asking for actual pics not computer renders. Ask and you shall receive from IBC!

Our resident computer nerd Mike took a few pics and put them up to show some of the features. The Zodiac Cadet RIB 300 DL ALU comes with a “flat deck”, and bow locker separating it from the Zodiac Cadet RIB 300 UL.

Everyone that calls asks if a fuel tank will fit into the bow locker, quick answer from Mike is “Yup!”. Mike just grabbed the nearest 6 gallon fuel tank and stuck it in there for a pic. TADA!

The internet is filled with good and bad, and every once in awhile good seamanship stories leak out. In the Yachting World news we came across a story about Skip Novak and a recent Antarctic expedition turned beach recovery utilizing the trusty Bombard C3 Commando and some good seamanship.

Check the link below for Yachting World’s full text on what went on at the bottom of the world.

While having a look at some recent searches on our blog here I see a common search term, “How much air do I put in my Zodiac?”.

To answer this question I’d always refer to your boat’s manual but a good rule of thumb is 3.48 P.S.I.

This pressure would be the same for hypalon or pvc material. If you are using the supplied foot pump that came with your boat you won’t be able to over pressurize your Zodiac as the pumps are designed to only pump up to the rated pressure. Even if I was standing on the foot pump and had a friend helping it would only pump to it’s rated pressure.

When we are talking about a Zodiac Fastroller air floor the pressure would be 11.2 P.S.I. and would be in it’s second stage of it’s two stage pump.

Air floor pressure on the Zodiac Aero series of boats have a pressure of 8.5 P.S.I.

Remember that pressure is dependent on temperature and after launching your boat it’s a good idea to kick a few more pumps into the tubes, keel and floors of your boat to accommodate for the cooling effect of the water. The inverse is true if your boat is left on the hard and it gets very hot outside. you may need to vent out some excess pressure to keep it in the right operating pressure.

One way to remove all ambiguity is to buy a 12V inflator pump with gauge and auto shut off like this one here.

If you have questions we have answers, just give us a call (503)235-2628 (ask for Adam)

Well now that most of the show season madness is over and everyone is waiting for their orders lets take a look at Zodiac’s Open 7 RIB.

By all viewing angles the observer realizes that Zodiac’s Open 7 is a whole new and modern approach to running the blue water. Generous aft seating means bringing friends and family out for some exploring and adventure was never easier. Transom steps and boarding ladder options envelope the outboard and give bathers a sure and positive way for getting into the Zodiac Open 7 regardless of fitness level.

Integrated anchor roller and bow step up forward removes the uncertainty of anchoring up for lunch on the hook or a simple swim call. The chain locker is generous and offers easy access via a marine latch and forward hatch.

Refueling can be a pain at the fuel dock so Zodiac made it easy on the Open 7, with access to the secondary hatch right where it ought to be.

Speaking of hatches the Zodiac Open 7 has a lockable gas strut assisted console hatch that leads to a truly cavernous under deck stowage locker. No more worrying about gear left aboard, pfd storage or water sports storage. One just puts everything below safe and secure.

If water sports are your thing then Zodiac has heard your call and made a sleek and functional towing arch option that looks as good as it works. If you’re towing the kids on a tube or you’re trying to set the wakeboard endurance record the Zodiac Open 7 answers your call in a stable, safe, fun, and efficient craft.

With the ever changing field of marine electronics breaking new tech every six months it’s hard to plan for dash space to layout all the doodads. Zodiac is above all a tech company and as such redesigned the console and dash on the Open 7 to accommodate the future of boating electronics. This was a forward thinking move and one that the mechanics and riggers are cheering about. The would be boater can have everything they ever dreamed of and more!

When considering a hull’s efficiency to cut thru the bumps and chop many manufacturers take the easy way out and design for one scenario thereby limiting what the boat will do in any given sea state. Zodiac has taken their enormous knowledge base into the design phase and put together a truly open water hull. Performance is optimized to the very edge of hydrodynamic law making the Zodiac Open 7 suitable for blue water, fresh water, lakes or rivers alike. Zodiac takes it’s lessons learned from hard military applications, shipping, rescue and exploration to a whole new level for the recreational customer. Many state and federal organizations will love the what this hull design will do for their missions let alone the recreational customer out for a quick fun trip.

In the terms of power and economy IBC’s choice to rig their premier Zodiac Open 7 with a clean burning and quiet Yamaha F250HP outboard is a perfect balance of power and grace. The Yamaha F250 coupled to Zodiac’s Open 7 purrs like a kitten sipping fuel like the aforementioned kitten lapping milk from a saucer. Pushing the throttle forward transforms the kitten into a team of roaring lions on a yolk. Taming that lion team is easy with the Zodiac Open 7’s hydraulic steering control and offers nimble maneuvers at any speed. You won’t even notice how fast you are moving until you see your speed on the generous digital screen. The Zodiac Open 7 literally tears your expectations asunder and gives you the smoothest ride possible afloat.

We just couldn’t find anything wrong with the Zodiac Open 7, it all seems so right. At a price of $70K with trailer from IBC in Portland Oregon it makes you wonder why anyone would need another kind of boat when the Zodiac Open 7 does it all, and does it better.

To view the Zodiac Open 7 contact the team at The Inflatable Boat Center (IBC) by phone (503)235-2628 and schedule an appointment. If you’re on the other side of the world have a look below at IBC’s Portland Boat Show Open 7 premier in North America.

It happens at every NW Sportsman Show, every year without fail. People walking by the IBC booth will say non-sense like “Those boats pop easily.”, or “You can’t fish from a Zodiac.”. Self proclaimed subject matter experts about all things boating and outdoors. HA! It doesn’t really bother me as most people saying that obviously have no clue about boats, the outdoors, hunting or fishing. To look at some of the “experts” I have to wonder how they made it that far down the aisle without falling over because clearly they are more of an expert on eating snacks and sitting on the couch.

Almost all of the Alaskan bush residents stop by the booth and tell tales of their Zodiacs and where they take them, and often they question why there are so many tin boats here in the NW Oregon/Washington area. That in it’s self is an anomaly, the Portland Boat Show is considered the biggest aluminum boat show in the world now. Lots of swagger and braggadocio permeates the NW Sportsman Show and tin talk is right up there at the top with terrible elk calls echoing thru the catherdral like ceilings of the Portland Expo Center. Sometimes I want to play videos of all the rescues of tin boats that occur every year, all conducted by Zodiacs. This wouldn’t prove anything as the paradigm is already in place for the tin men.

Considering that most tinneys sit in a driveway for 360 days of the year until the parade at buoy 10 time is upon us. Most tin owners don’t advance their seamanship other than cracking a beer on a hog line, which is a problem. Magazine articles and T.V. shows proclaim the buoy 10 fishery as epic and score of boats and tourists descend like lemmings all vying for their chance at a king or coho. Guys talk smack at the ramp when we put out, and are still there when we return limits caught. Offhanded remarks like “Did you get a leak?” are fodder for misinformed sportsmen trying to look cool while struggling to launch their boats. When these same people see our kills bags busting at the seams they change their tune. The fish checkers just know we have fish, they always come over to eagerly chat and document the easy catch in our boat.

Customers sending their pics of brown bear and moose in a tiny inflatable boat making their way home are treats to us when we see them. So much of the world was discovered in a Zodiac that it makes you wonder where the disconnect occurs. If you are looking for something that doesn’t require a mortgage payment, floats more cargo in less water, uses less motor and therefore less fuel you should be looking at an inflatable boat. Heck don’t take our word for it, here’s some customer pics of people going their own way and doing rather than talking.

If you have questions about an inflatable boat call Mike or Adam (503)235-2628 and see what our years of experience on all types of boats from the arctic to the antarctic and points in between can do for you.

If you’re an online shopper check out our secure shopping site at www.inflatableboats.com

Asheley slays the fish in her Bombard Commando C4

Asheley and Kevin

Asheley, Kevin, and friends Go Commando

Asheley is the right person to fish with

Riley gets his dog tooth tuna at last

Going Commando on halibut

Yes you can fish on an inflatable, just ask Jenny she tells no tales.

Jenny inflates and deflates her Bombard Commando C3 every time and uses a Yamaha F20Hp outboard to get to her fishing spots .

Fishing with Tom in the Zodiac Fish N Hunt (location Patagonia)

why use pots when yu can just grab the ones you want from a zodiac inflatable boat?

Fishing with Tom in the Zodiac Fish N Hunt (location Patagonia)

Legendary fisherman Rowland Martin takes out a Maxxon kayak for a little quiet time on the water.

IBC Pro Mike takes a second to have a brat and tell bass fishing stories with friend Rowland Martin at the IBC Both.

Tillamook Bay

Don’t come over here!

Tim catches yet another fish at World famous fishery Buoy10 in his Zodiac Futura

Shane shows us just how easy it is with his Bombard Typhoon 420AL

Crabbing is fun for the whole family with the Bombard Typhoon 420Al

Shane towing the kids on a tube with his Bombard Typhoon 420 AL

Crabs? Yeah Shane has heard of them!

GO COMMANDO!

Janvier’s C5 Commando with Science Package

How easy is this? Only in an inflatable boat!

classic!

Nah no gamble we know what the tide is and will be, the Columbia doesn’t like an i’ll prepared mariner

IBC is back from our last big show and we’re getting ready for the season opener. Special Boat Show Pricing is going to expire soon so don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. As always IBC is there to help you get on the water with the right boat at the right price.

To order your new dinghy, adventure boat, rescue boat, professional or military boat call one of friendly sales staff at (503)235-2628 today.

IBC is a 5 Star Gold Rated Yamaha Service Center, as well as a certified Zodiac Repair Facility, and MILPRO Elite Dealer/Service Center. IBC is uniquely qualified to address your inflatable boat needs and is Zodiac’s Senior Dealer in this corner of the world. Let our decades of experience help with your next undertaking whether it’s in the high polar latitudes or even the inland waterways of our nations’ heartland.

Well the Portland Boat Show and the Seattle Boat Show have ended and now we’re getting ready to go to the NW Sportsman’s Show . If you missed your chance to see the Zodiac Open 7 in Seattle we’ll have it installed in our Portland showroom soon. Adam & Mike will be on hand to offer expert advice on military, commercial and recreational inflatable boats and RIBs plus we’ll be introducing our Zodiac Bombard C5 Commando Sport Jet package.

If you are a serious adventurer, hunter, fisherman or just interested in an awesome boat stop by our booth and see what we can do for you. The NW Sportsman’s Show can be an overwhelming experience, better fasten a seat belt on your brain and stop by our booth #1143 or have your mind blown with the C5 Sport Jet Pack.

This boat does it all and has been in development ever since our humble beginnings with Capt. Ron on the world racing circuit. Our experience in the sailing, professional, military, yachting, and outdoor sports has made it easy for the beginner or pro alike to get the right boat for their activity and budget. What sets IBC apart from others in the game is we practice what we preach, we practice a lot actually. Every chance we get we’re out on the water training, playing, fishing, and evaluating the experience with a critical eye to do it better.

What can I say we love what we do!

Come and see for yourself, talk with Adam and Mike about your next adventure.

It’s the start of day two at The Portland Boat Show and usually on day two we post a few pics.

IBC Portland Boat Show 2018

Zodiac Tenders

Bombard Commando C3

Bombard Commando C3

Avon Seasport 360 Deluxe

Avon Seasport 360 Deluxe

Avon Seasport 360 Deluxe

Avon Seasport 360 Deluxe

Zodiac MILPRO ERB 380

Zodiac MK2 Heritage Classic #16 of 50

Zodiac MK2 Heritage Classic #16 of 50

Zodiac MK2 Heritage Classic #16 of 50

Zodiac Open 7 Bow Step

Zodiac Open 7 Bow Locker

Zodiac Open 7 Bow Locker

Zodiac Open 7 Bow Locker Hatches

Zodiac Open 7 Console Hatch

Zodiac Open 7 Console Hatch Open

Zodiac Open 7 Dash

Zodiac Open 7 Console Bolster

Zodiac Open 7 Bolster and After Seating

Zodiac Open 7

Zodiac Open 7 Swim Ladder

Zodiac Open 7

Sure it’s better to see the boats in person, but not all of you can make it to The Portland Boat Show and it’s this reason we put up the galleries. Videos will be forthcoming and added to the blog area so check back often for the full high def experience. If you are going to the Seattle Boat Show you will still have a chance to see the premier of Zodiac’s Open 7 RIB in the US. To say that Zodiac has put other makers on notice would be an under statement! The Zodiac Open 7 has something for everyone including the speed demon and the casual boater alike. Looking towards the future and the ever changing role a boat has in it’s lifetime Zodiac has included expansion capabilities that allow the user to add or subtract seating and accessories with ease. This sort of functionality or as we say in the military segment “mission configurability” makes the Open 7 peerless in the recreational market. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques ensure that the Zodiac Open 7 will never be outdated and removable/replaceable tubes in commercial grade mean it will always look it’s best and perform like a stallion.

We are closing up our Portland location early for the duration of the Portland Boat Show so please call to see if we will be there if you want to visit the showroom. (503)235-2628.

Today we’re hard at work getting boats ready and transported to the Portland Expo Center for the 2018 Portland Boat Show. As usual IBC will be bringing out some old favorites as well as the new Zodiac Aluminum Hulled RIBs, Avon Seasport Deluxe Tenders, and introducing the Zodiac Open 7 RIB to the US market. There’s even talk that Zodiac’s extremely limited MK2 Heritage is going to be there for people not in Paris to see.

With all that’s going on in the boating world and in particular the new Zodiac and Avon offerings you had better get your tickets early. (click here) IBC will be manning the both (Booth #214) throughout the show to answer any questions you may have regarding your next inflatable boat.

Can’t make the Portland Boat Show? No problem come see us at the Seattle Boat Show ! IBC will be in Seattle for their boat show and will be bringing the Zodiac Open 7 to blow minds in the NW. Yes it’s going to be a great year for boating in the NW and IBC will be there every step of the way as the days get longer and the weather gets warmer. Don’t be stuck on the beach this year like you were last year. Come down to the Portland Boat Show and start planning your summer!

If you’re land locked and can’t make it to any of the NW Boat Shows this season don’t fret. IBC has the industry leading website to make shopping at home easy. To shop online click here